‘Good evening, Martin. You are most welcome.’ Rosalind had met him briefly when she first visited Trevenor, and she liked the look of him despite Lady Pentelow’s damning indictment of him as a fortune hunter. His plain face was creased into a worried frown but when his eyes rested on Aurelia his expression changed subtly. Rosalind knew instantly that this was a man deeply in love. He might be ambitious but she did not think that would drive him to marry simply for money and position. Besides which, he must be aware that the clay mine was about to be sold.

‘You will put in a good word with Grandmama, won’t you, Rosie?’ Aurelia put her head on one side, waiting for an answer.

‘I don’t think Lady Pentelow would take notice of anything I have to say, Aurelia.’

‘Oh, but she will. I know she will. After all, you own a castle and many acres of land. You are an important person. Well, perhaps not as important as Sir Michael.’ Aurelia cast a glance at Patricia and Sir Michael, who were seated with the vicar and his wife.

Rosalind turned to Martin. ‘You do know that the mine is up for sale, don’t you, Mr Gibbs?’

‘Yes, ma’am, but the interested buyer has promised to keep me on as well as the other miners. My position is assured. I was hoping to talk to Lady Pentelow this evening. Do you think you could put in a good word for me, ma’am?’

‘I think the best person to represent your case is you yourself, Martin. Lady Pentelow appreciates honesty and forthrightness. Why don’t you approach her together? She’s never denied you anything you really wanted in the past, has she, Aurelia?’

‘No, I suppose not,’ Aurelia said doubtfully. ‘But this is different.’

‘Not entirely. If you can show her that you are sincere, Martin, she will listen to you.’

‘Alex is coming to speak to us.’ Aurelia clutched Martin’s arm. ‘Maybe he will stand up for us with Grandmama.’

‘It would be better if you and Martin spoke to her first,’ Rosalind said firmly. ‘Let her see how much you care, and, Martin, you need to know exactly how you’re going to support a wife and family. That is very important.’

He nodded. ‘Yes, I realise that. You’re right, Mrs Blanchard. I need to be honest and show her how sincere I am, and that my intentions are entirely honourable.’

‘Yes, that’s exactly what you need to tell her. She’s just walked away from the squire’s table, so why don’t you speak to her now? She’s smiling, Aurelia. You just have to pick the right moment.’